At the Ichinohashi Bridge entrance to Koya-san’s Okunoin graveyard stands a beautiful old temple called Shojoshin-in. It opens its doors for visitors to spend the night and experience life in a Buddhist temple which is called Shukubo. Originally a thatched hut built by Kukai more than 1,150 years ago and once the second-largest temple in Koya-san after Kongobuji. The grounds have lovely gardens and old buildings perfect for meditation and relaxation. Guests can visit the inner temple and view the artifacts as well.
Shojoshin-in courtyard gardens
The maximum capacity of the 30 rooms is 70 individual guests or 100 traveling as a group; families are also welcome. Rooms are simple and Japanese style, with tatami floors, futons, and windows overlooking the gardens. There are several different styles, including private suites or rooms with shared western-style toilet and bath rooms called Hanare.
Shojoshin-in hallway to rooms and garden view
Though rooms are comfortable with heaters, heating is minimal in common areas, so bring suitable layers. Most of the rooms are incredibly spacious by Japanese standards and have shoji screens opened out onto a beautiful courtyard and the mountain side.
Shojoshin-in view from room (photo: thisyearsboy-flickr)
Meals are vegetarian shojin ryori, beautifully arranged with an incredible balance of flavors and appearance. Guests are requested to attend the morning prayers at 7 am, listening to the monks chant before breakfast.
Shojoshin-in vegetarian dinner (photo: weirdo513-flickr)
Most people who stay are incredibly pleased at the graciousness and helpfulness of the Shojoshin-in monks and staff. Though very different from staying in a hotel, a visit to Shojoshin-in gives a glimpse of a completely different lifestyle. Many travelers say that staying there is a highlight of their visit to Japan.
Shojoshin-in inner temple
To get to Shojoshin-in, from JR Shin-Osaka or JR Osaka train station, take the Midosuji subway line to Namba subway station, about a 15 minute subway ride. At Namba subway station, transfer to the Nankai Railway Station. It is a 1 hour 30 minute train ride on the Rapid Express train on the Nankai Koya rail line to Gokurakubashi train station. From Gokurakubashi train station, take the Koya-san cable car up Mt Koya, a 5 minute cable car ride. At the cable car station, ask for “A Guide to Koyasan” (the English map of Mt Koya). It is about a 20 minute bus ride and the closest bus stop is Ichinohashiguchi Bus Stop
Shojoshin-in morning prayer service (photo: weirdo513-flickr)
Address is: 556 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito -gun
You can request availability at JapaneseGuestHouses.com.
The temple website is in Japanese: http://www.shohjohshinin.jp/
